SPECTACULAR FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1927, Page 2

SPECTACULAR FIRE

AULSEBROOK’S FACTORY GUTTED,

CY TEI.ECKACH —CRESS ASSN., COCYRIUHt

CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 24

Starting on the top floor near tlie western extremity of the building and spreading with rapidity, a fire on Sunday night in the premises of Aulsel.rook and Co at tiie corner of St. Asaph and .Montreal Streets, practically gutted the building and did enormous damage. It was the biggest liie that lias occurred in Christchurch for a long time. It may throw out of work for the time about 400 employees of COO odd in tlie employ of the linn. No accurate estimate of damage can fitobtained but the fact that the fire burned fiercely ior nearly two hours will give some idea of the great havoc wrought.

Insurances on buildings and stock ol Anlsebrook and Co. total £160,000 in the Northern Office and insurances on 1 lie* portion mainly alfeeted by the fire total about £56,400.

The block of buildings is of three storeys. Only heavy raiiv prevented the spread of the fire to McCully and Coy’s timber yards, where stocks are valued at £20,001), 15 men were kept continuously employed there preventiiipj outbreaks.

Over five thousand people watched the blaze. As far as is known the lire started in the dispateh packing room. The inflammable nature of the contents helped the rapidity of the spread of the flames and made the task of the brigade in controlling the fire difficult. The lire, particularly in its early stages, was of most spectacular character. The evening was wild ami blustering with rain storms often and hail occasionally. The brigade got quickly to work. The lire was attacked at every point that offered an opportunity of successful work and some of the firemen performed particularly hazardous and difficult; tasks. In St. Asaph Street the extension ladder was reared till its top was well over the roof of the burning building. On top of this with gigantic columns of smoke billowing about him and sparks showering upward so thickly a fireman hung cm and directed a downwards stream of water through holes in the roof. It was a spectacle that fascinated the great crowd, who expected every moment to see the fire fighter overcome by the terrible conditions. He stayed on. however, for fully a quarter of an hour, directing a strong stream of water to whatever point within reach that promised the best advantage.

AULSKBROOK’K DAMAGE. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 24. Aulsebroohs say their machinery and plant is practically undamaged and that business will he resumed ns usual in a few days.